do you have to use cornish x?

[lorihadams]

For meat birds do you have to use cornish x or is it just more economical to use them? Is there an all purpose breed that you could use if you were wanting to let the birds free range? I know it will take longer to let them fatten up but I've heard that there is a lot of mess associated with cornish x as well as leg problems and breast blisters. Just curious if anyone uses a different breed.

 

[Karlachix]

Other breeds can be used. Cornish X are just super fast growers (which can lead to the problems you mentioned.)

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Quote:
Yep - there's been a lot of dscussion on this in this section. If ya don't get many answers, do a search

The heritage breeds were used as meat and egg before the hybrids were developed to their current state.

I am currently trying 5 cornish cross this year (first time) so I can relate the size/feed/quality/mess of my dual purpose when I butcher them to what I can get from the Cornish X.

I am doing Delawares and Brahmas (these are the two main dual purpose I have right now). Would be interested in adding in a Dark Cornish roo over one or the other of those, to see what sort of breast size I would get. But that'll probably wait until next year.

The Delawares were meat birds before the Cornish Cross got so popular. They do not have the breast size or speed of the Cornish Cross, but for my purposes, I think they'll do nicely.

After this year, my two remaining children (at home) will be moved out, and it will be myself and hubby - a dual purpose bird would be plenty for just us two.

meri

 

[cassie]

When I was little, my folks would buy straight run Buff Orpingtons and Rhode Island Reds. We would butcher the cockerels and save the pullets for eggs. Before the development of the Cornish X, meat chickens were an offshoot of the egg industry. The farmers bought straight run chicks and the pullets went in the laying houses and the cockerels were fattened for market.

 

[jaku]

I wouldn't say that Cornish X's are more economical, just that you get much more meat per bird, and in a shorter time. They eat a ton more though. The leg problems and breast blisters are EASILY avoided by giving them broiler feed and not giving them roosts. That being said, yes, you can use other breeds.

 

[AussieSharon]

You could always try the red or black broilers. They grow slightly slower than the Cornish X and don't tend to have the problems assiciated with them.

 

[digginchicks]

some hatcheries offer cockeral specials where you just get a bunch of roos for butcher for a real good price

 

[WalkingWolf]

My next door neighbor has a Cornish X he bought at the feed store, he was unaware I guess until I told him that is what she was. He has not butchered her and she is several months old. He has had no health problems with her and she lays a egg a day. I have watched her running around his yard just not as fast as the rest of the flock. Must be because she free ranges.